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Outcome of surgical treatment of atrial septal defects in adult age groups A Nosier; M.D, T Salah; MD, O AbouelKasem; MD, and M Zekrey; M.D. Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Abstract Introduction: Surgical closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) before the age of 30 years has been demonstrated to reduce complications during adulthood. However, the outcome of patients operated after the age of 30 is still debated. Methods: In a prospective study we examined the outcome of surgical repair of ASD in adults (above 18 years).The patients were classified as (group I) 20 patients underwent surgery after the age of 30 years; (group II) 20 patients underwent surgery before the age of 30 years. The main variables analyzed were left and right ventricular systolic function, right sided dimensions, systolic pulmonary pressure, the degree of tricuspid regurgitation, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and NYHA functional status. Results: We found that ASD cases undergone surgical closure of the defect below 30 years as compared with cases done at or above 30 years showed significant improvement of symptoms (NYHA grades) (P =0.02) , significant PASP reduction postoperatively (P =0.003) and significant improvement of left sided contractility (EF) (P =0.010) with less ICU stay period (P =0.044). With no statistically significant difference between groups regarding the other variables Conclusions: Surgical repair of an atrial septal defect in patients before 30 years of age improve patient symptoms and the hemodynamic parameter more than older age patient and is strongly recommended. Introduction There are several reasons why adult patients may present with uncorrected congenital heart lesions. late diagnosis is always a possibility, particularly in cases of atrial septal defects . Atrial septal defect accounts for about one third of cases of congenital heart disease detected in adults. (1) Survival to adult life is the rule although life expectancy is not completely normal. 75% of adult patients with atrial septal defect will show signs or symptoms of the disease in the third or fourth decade of life as a consequence of pulmonary hypertension, atrial arrhythmia, or heart failure. (2) 1 The increased pulmonary pressure may contribute to the dilatation of the right ventricle,( right ventricular diastolic dimensions as high as 4 cm/m2. ) but probably the effect of the remodeled ventricle as a consequence of a long-standing volumetric overload plays a much more important role. Persistent right ventricle dilatation tends to be progressive and can affect the competence of the tricuspid valve and interact with the function of the left ventricle (3). Mechanisms that account for left ventricular dysfunction include septal displacement secondary to right ventricular dilatation, and systolic anterior movement of the mitral valve.(4) The age at which symptoms appear is highly variable and is not exclusively related to the size of the shunt. Exercise intolerance in the form of exertional dyspnea or fatigue is the most common initial presenting symptom. Atrial fibrillation or flutter is an agerelated reflection of atrial dilation and stretch that occurs at 40 years of age. Its arrival usually causes substantial symptoms because of both the tachycardia and the underlying hemodynamics (governed by impaired left ventricular filling and reduced systemic cardiac output). (5) Less commonly, decompensated right heart failure may occur, almost always in the older patient, often in the context of substantial tricuspid regurgitation and often with coexistent pulmonary arterial hypertension of variable severity. Occasionally, a paradoxical embolus or transient ischemic attack may be the first clue to the presence of an ASD. Even less commonly, the discovery of cyanosis may lead to the diagnosis of an intra-atrial communication. (5) Closure of most atrial septal defects is still the treatment of choice in children and young adults, because of the low surgical risk and good long-term outcome. However, the beneficial result of closure in adults over 40 years of age remains controversial. In a study of patients with atrial septal defect aged 40 years, it showed that overall mortality was not different between operated and not operated patients, although there was a tendency in favor of operated patients. Morbidity, however, was clearly higher in not operated patients. (2).Other Studies showed that the hemodynamic and electrophysiological results of the surgical repair of ASD after the age of 25 years were significantly inferior to those obtained when surgery was performed before this age. The reduction of pulmonary pressure and the size of the right ventricle and the degree of tricuspid insufficiency were significantly less in those patients who underwent surgery after the age of 25 years, as well as the size of the left ventricle and the prevalence of chronic atrial fibrillation.(6) Aim of work The aim of that study was to evaluate the outcome of surgical repair of atrial septal defects in adult age group and to highlight preoperative, operative and postoperative factors that affect the early mortality and morbidities. 2 Patients & methods Forty adult patients (above 18 years old) with ASD were operated upon at Cairo University Hospitals in the period between December 2011 and August 2013, with short term follow up (6 months). Patients who had ASD associated with VSD or PDA,or significant valve disease other than the tricuspid or mitral valve, or ischemic heart disease and Eisenmenger syndrome were excluded from the study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I: (risk group) 20 patients aged 30 years old or more having atrial septal defect. Group II: 20 patients aged less than 30 years old having atrial septal defect. Preoperative parameters: Preoperative preparation included standard steps which started by careful and thorough history taking( putting in consideration the patient's age, sex, NYHA class), full clinical examination,Routine preoperative laboratory studies,plain chest Xray,12 lead ECG,Transthoracic Echocardiographic examination (TTE)(to assess: type and size of the ASD, PAP, Cardiac chambers dimention and function , degree of tricuspid regurge,…..),Transesophageal Echocardiographic examination(TEE) was needed in some cases, Coronary angiography.(in males >40 years - females >45 years), and Cardiac catheterization was done in some patients. (to measure PVR , QP/QS, response to VD drugs in cases with severe PHT and bidirectional shunt) Operative parameters: Surgical approach: All patients underwent cardiac surgery for ASD closure through median sternotomy, except 5 cases were approached through RT antrolateral thoracotomy (8-10 cm incision under the RT mammary crease and the RT forth intercostal space was entered) Full operative details were recorded specially The following data: • • • • • • Type of approach (median sternotomy or Rt anterior thoracotomy) Method of ASD closure.(patch or direct) Other surgical procedures with ASD closure. Route of cardioplegia adminstration. Ischemic time & bypass time. Need for pulmonary vasodilator/Inotropic drugs and types. Postoperative parameters: Postoperative data were recorded as follows • ICU stay duration . • Mechanical ventilator support time . 3 • • • • • • Mean hospital stay. Hospital mortality (within 30 days of the procedure) Operative morbidity or complications. Degree of clinical improvement (NYHA function class) ECG (For detection of arrhythmias and success of surgical ablation of AF if done ) Echocardiography was done for all patients before hospital discharge and Follow up echocardiography was also done 3-6 months later . Statistical methods Data were statistically described in terms of mean standard deviation ( SD), median and range, or frequencies (number of cases) and percentages when appropriate. Comparison of numerical variables between the study groups was done using Student t test for independent samples. For comparing categorical data, Chi square (2) test was performed. Exact test was used instead when the expected frequency is less than 5. P values less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical calculations were done using computer programs SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 15 for Microsoft Windows. Results Preoperative results: Demographic data of the patients In group I, the age range from 31 to 59 years with the mean age was 41.9 ± 9.575 years. While in group II, the age range from 18 to 29 years with the mean age was 22.55 ± 3.649 years. There was significant statistical difference between the two group (p value <0.05) As regards sex distribution, in group I, there were 13 female patients (65%) and 7 male patients (35%). The same distribution was found in group II. There were 13 female patients (65%) and 7 male patients (35%). There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups as regards sex distribution (p =1.00). There was significant statistical difference between the two groups as regards preoperative NYHA CLASS (p =0.043).Table 1. 4 Table 1: NYHA class distribution in both groups. Group NYHA class I II III Total Total Group I Group II Count 3 8 11 % 15.0% 40.0% 27.5% Count 7 9 16 % 35.0% 45.0% 40.0% Count 10 3 13 % 50.0% 15.0% 32.5% Count 20 20 40 % 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% In group I, 8 patients (40% of cases) were in AF, one of them was in paroxysmal AF, and 12 patients (60% of cases) were in sinus rhythm. In group II, 1 patient (5% of cases) were in AF, 19 patients (95% of cases) were in sinus rhythm. 3 patients from group I needed to do holter study as they showed a history of palpitation to rule out associated arrhythmia with –ve result in two cases and +ve in one case with evidence of paroxysmal AF and concomitant maze procedure done for him. There was significant statistical difference between the two groups (p =0.02). Preoperative Echocardiographic data: ASD type: The most commonly presenting ASD type in both groups was ostium secondum followed by primum ASD then sinus Venuses ASD. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups. (p =0.833) Table 2. 5 Table 2 : ASD type distribution in both groups. Group ASD type Primum Secondum Sinus venosus Total Total Group I Group II Count 3 3 6 % 15.0% 15.0% 15.0% Count 15 16 31 % 75.0% 80.0% 77.5% Count 2 1 3 % 10.0% 5.0% 7.5% Count 20 20 40 % 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Preoperative PASP: In group I, the mean PAP was 51.95±12.386, with 18 (90%) cases with PASP ≥ 40 mmHg. 3 patients from group I had PASP > 70 mmHg needed to do preoperative cardiac catheter that showed reversible and reactive PVD. while in group II the mean PAP 41±12.603, with only 9 (45%) cases with PASP ≥ 40 mmHg .There was significant statistical difference between the two groups as regards the mean preoperative PAP (P =0.009). Preoperative tricuspid valve regurge: In group I, 9 (45%) cases had moderate to severe TR while in group II, 6 (30%) cases to moderate and severe TR but with no significant statistical difference between the two groups (p =0.16). Rt side dilatation: Regarding Rt atrial dilatation there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups (P =0.632). Preoperative RV dilatation measured by RV diastolic diameter in group I, range from 2.8 to 4.5 mm with mean of 3.59 ±0.575 while in group II, range from 2.7 to 5 mm with mean of 3.605 ± 0.6168. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups (P =0.937) 6 Cardiac contractility: Lt sided contractility as measured by EF showed significant statistical difference between the two groups (P =0.008). RT sided contractility as measured by tricuspid annular plan systolic excursion (TAPSI) showed no significant statistical difference between the two groups (P =0.206). Table 3. Table 3: preoperative Cardiac contractility in both groups. Group I Group II Mean St. deviation Min. Max. EF 65.95 4.084 59 73 TAPSI 1.74 0.1536 1.5 2 EF 70.25 5.600 60 80 TAPSI 1.8 0.1414 1.6 2 Cardiac catheterization: In group I, preoperative cardiac catheterization was done for 6 cases (30%) for coronary angiography and showed no coronary lesions and was done for 3 cases (15%) for assessment of pulmonary pressure & resistance and found to be operable, while in group II, cardiac catheterization wasn’t needed. Operative results: The surgical approaches used as well as the method of ASD closure done in the patients were shown in table 4. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups as regards method of ASD closure. (P =0.342). Table 4: Approach and methods of ASD closure Total Group Group I Median sternotomy approach Count/% 19(95%) Rt antrolateral Thoracotomy ap- Count/% 1(5%) proach 7 Group II 16(80%) 35(87.5%) 4(20%) 5(12.5%) Method of direct suture closure Count 1 0 1 % 5.0% 0.0% 2.5% 5 3 8 25.0% 15.0% 20.0% Count 14 17 31 % 70.0% 85.0% 77.5% Count 20 20 40 % 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Count glutaraldehyde fixed pericardial % patch Pericardial patch Total The type of Cardioplegia used and the method of administration were shown in table 5. There was significant statistical difference between the two groups. (P =0.003) Table 5: Cardioplegia used in both groups. Group Cardioplegia used Total Group I Group II Ante grade and Count retrograde cold % blood 3 0 3 15.0% 0.0% 7.5% Ante grade cold Count blood % 17 12 29 85.0% 60.0% 72.5% Ante grade Count warm blood % 0 8 8 0.0% 40.0% 20.0% In group I, mean ischemic time was 35.4± 16.984 minutes and mean bypass time was 53.25± 25.406 minutes while in group II mean ischemic time was 32.5± 16.263 minutes and mean bypass time was 45± 20.810. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups. (P =0.585, P =0.268 respectively) Other intra operative procedures other than ASD closure done in the patients were shown in table 6. 8 Table 6: Associated Iintraoperative procedures done in both groups. Group Total Group I Group II Count 9 15 24 % 45.0% 75.0% 60.0% Cleft mitral repair Count , Tricuspid repair % 3 3 6 15.0% 15.0% 15.0% Maze and Tricus- Count pid repair % 3 0 3 15.0% 0.0% 7.5.0% Mitral repair (rigid Count ring No.30) % 1 0 1 5.0% 0.0% 2.5% Tricuspid repair Count (modified devega), and Mitral repair( % PML augmentation and band annuloplasty) 0 1 1 0.0% 5.0% 2.5% Pericardial intra- Count cardiac baffle of % RSPV to LA 2 1 3 10.0% 5.0% 7.5% pulmonary votomy 1 0 1 5.0% 0.0% 2.5% 1 0 1 5.0% 0.0% 2.5% Other in- No traoperative procedures tricuspid only val- Count % repair Count % In group I, 50% of patients needed inotropic or vasodilator drugs (3 cases needed Dobutamine, 2 cases needed Milrinone, 4 cases needed nitroglycerin, 1 case needed Dobutamine with nitroglycerin and 10 cases needed no drugs) while in group II, 20% of patient needed inotropic or vasodilator drugs (2 cases needed Dobutamine, no cases needed Milrinone, no cases needed nitroglycerin, 2 cases needed Dobutamine with nitroglycerin and 16 cases needed no drugs.) Figure 1. 9 Figure 1: Inotropic/vasodilator drugs needed in both groups. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups regarding needs and types of inotropic or vasodilator drugs (p = 0.96 and 0.95 respectively). Postoperative results Early postoperative results Postoperative results as regards the mechanical ventilation duration, Total ICU stay, and Total Hospital stay were shown in table 7. There was significant statistical difference between both groups as regards total ICU stay, but there was no Statistical significant difference between both groups as regards mechanical ventilation time and total Hospital stay. Table: Postoperative mechanical ventilation duration, ICU stay, and Total Hospital stay Group I Mechanical ventilation duration (hrs) 7.5±2.68 Group II NS 6.08±3.11 (P =0.17) mean± SD Total ICU (days) P value stay Significant 2.25±1.37 1.55±0.605 (p=0.044) mean± SD Total hospital stay(days) mean± 7.05±2.27 SD NS 5.95±1.73 (p =0.137) 10 Mortality&Morbidity: There was no mortality in both groups whether Intraoperative or in hospital mortality. As regards morbidity, There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups regarding postoperative morbidity (P =0.401).Table 8. Table 8: Mmorbidities in both groups Group Group I Morbidities Total Group II Bleeding needs ex- Count ploration % 1 1 2 5.0% 5.0% 5% CHB…permanent pacemaker Count 1 0 1 % 5.0% 0.0% 2.5% Delayed tamponade Count needs evacuation % 1 0 1 5.0% 0.0% 2.5% Femoral hematoma Count 1 0 1 % 5.0% 0.0% 2.5% Count 15 18 33 % 75.0% 90.0% 82.5% 0 1 1 0.0% 5.0% 2.5% No Patch dehiscence Count needed exploration % and repair Follow up data after 6 months: There is marked reduction in the dyspnea grades after 6 months in both groups which is more evident in group II than in group I. There was significant statistical difference between the two groups as regards the grade of NYHA classification 6 months postoperatively. (P =0.02).Table 9 11 Table 9: Degree of NYHA grades improvement No dyspnea Class 1 Class 11 Class 111 Group I Pre No 3 (15%) 7 (35%) 10 (50%) Post 4 (20%) 9 (45%) 7 (35%) No Group II Pre No 8 (40%) 9 (45%) 3 (15%) post 11 (55%) 8 (40%) 1 (5%) No PASP follow up: There was significant statistical difference between the two groups as regards the mean PAP 6 months postoperative. (P =0.003). There is marked reduction in the PASP after 6 months in both groups which is evident in group II more than group I. In group I, 90% of patient had PASP ≥ 40 mmHg preoperatively, after 6 months regressed and reached 30% of cases; (33% still have PASP ≥ 40). In group II, 45% of patient had PASP ≥ 40 mmHg preoperatively, after 6 months regressed and reached 10% of cases only; (22% still have PASP ≥ 40). So the improvement is more evident in group II. Figure 2. Figure 2: PASP improvement as compared with the preoperative values Cardiac contractility: Lt sided contractility as measured by EF showed improvement in both groups, more marked in group II. In group I, mean EF preoperatively was 65.95, after 6 months improved and reached 66.55. In group II, the mean EF preoperatively was 70.25, after 6 months improved and reached 73.7, There was significant statistical difference between the two groups (P =0.010). As regarding RT sided contractility measured by the tricuspid annular plan systolic excursion (TAPSI), In group I the TAPSI reached 1.85±0.256, while in group II, the TAPSI reached1.93±0.215. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups (p =0.292). Rt side dilatation: There was regression in right atrial dilatation after 6 months with normalization in 35% in group I and 60% in group II. But with no significant statistical difference between the two groups (P =0.18). RV normalized in 40% of cases in group 12 I and 65% in group II. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups (P =0.135). Tricuspid valve regurge: There is marked regression in the degree of tricuspid regurge in both groups but there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups. (P =0.153).Table 10. Table 10: TR degree after 6 months in both groups. Group TR degree after 6 months No Trivial Mild Total Total Group I Group II Count 5 11 16 % 25.0% 55.0% 40.0% Count 7 4 11 % 35.0% 20.0% 27.5% Count 8 5 13 % 40.0% 25.0% 32.5% Count 20 20 40 % 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Rhythm distribution follow up: In group I, 5 (25%) cases were in AF, 14 (70%) cases were in sinus rhythm. In group II, 1 (5%) case was in AF, 19 (95%) cases were in sinus rhythm. one patient from group 1 developed complete heart block which needed permanent pacemaker insertion after primum defect (PAVC) closure and failed conservative management for 2 weeks. There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups (P =0.248). Discussion As treatment for congenital heart disease (CHD) has steadily improved over the last 50 years, the number of adult patients with CHD has grown substantially. Atrial septal defects represent approximately one third of congenital heart defects diagnosed in adults. Ostium secondum defects make up about 75%, ostium primum defects make up 15%, sinus venosus defects (SVD) 5-10% and coronary sinus septal defects 1%. (7) Two large studies have examined mortality and morbidity in surgically versus medically managed patients with ASDs over age 40 years, The first retrospective study 13 held by Konstantinides et al 1995 showed a survival benefit that favored the surgical patients, but this was after the exclusion of patients with coronary artery and mitral valve disease..The second study, a prospective, randomized trial conducted at the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico City by Attie et al 2001 showed, perhaps surprisingly, no clear survival benefit to surgical closure. However, over the study period (of 15 years), surgery was superior to medical therapy for a composite clinical end point that included recurrent pneumonias, the latter being a major contributor toward the differences observed between the 2 subgroups. These 2 studies also highlight the challenge of conducting clinical trials in congenital heart disease, in which patient's heterogeneity, even within the same diagnostic groups, and low mortality rates are often present. (5) In our study, we found that ASD cases undergone surgical closure of the defect below 30 years old have better outcome than cases done at or above 30 years regarding improvement of symptoms (NYHA grades), PASP, reduction and improvement of lt sided contractility (EF) with less ICU stay period. The clinical improvements seen in patients after ASD closure can be explained by the augmentation in LV filling and, consequently, the stroke volume. Improvements in LV function are likely to be a major determinant of the early improvement in NYHA functional class seen after ASD closure. It is of interest that the improvement in LV size and function appears to occur earlier than in the RV. This may suggest that LV remodeling is independent of RV remodeling as supported by multiple studies. (8) We followed up our patients for 6 months and found that reduction in PASP is less evident in group I than in group II, with PASP still high (≥40 mmHg) in 6 cases (30%) of group I while 2 cases (10%) only in group II. It appears that nearly normalization of PAP within 6 months occurred in the younger age group. Some authors shows that relative increase in pulmonary pressure in patients who undergo surgery after 25 years of age implicates the presence of an increase in arteriolar pulmonary resistance that persists after surgery, whether it be an increase in passive resistance due to elevation of pressure in the left atrium and pulmonary capillary or a decrease in the elastic properties of the pulmonary arteries caused by chronic dilatation. All mechanisms may co-exist to a greater or lesser degree in different patients, contributing to the maintenance of an increase in the right ventricular afterload following the intervention in contrast to the younger ages that shows nearly normalization of PAP within 6 months. (6) In our study we tried to use the Advanced therapies for PAH to decrease PAP pre and postoperative period till the pulmonary vascular bed changes take place in order to decrease mortalities and morbidities which is strongly correlated to PAH. We used oral sildenafil on 3 cases with sever pulmonary HTN after doing preoperative cardiac catheterization that showed reversible and reactive PVD before and after using hyper oxy14 genation test. We used a dose ranged from 25-50 mg t.d.s for 3 months preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively that was successful in decreasing PAP. (9) When severe pulmonary hypertension persists after operation, it may worsen with passage of time and may cause premature late death. About 25% of patients with preoperative pulmonary hypertension and high Rp at least 10 units/ m2 die with pulmonary hypertension within 5 years of operation. However, some patients with pulmonary hypertension and elevated Rp late postoperatively have neither progression nor regression of their disease for as long as 20 years,although they have some limitation in exercise tolerance. In general, the younger at time of repair,and the lower the Rp at repair the better are the chances of surviving and having an essentially normal PAP 5 years and more later postoperatively. Generally outcome is good in patients of all ages when preoperative Rp is only mildly or moderately elevated (less than 8 units/m2). (10) Partial closure of a defect with a one-way flap that permits right-to-left shunting could be a way of allowing decompression of the right ventricle during periods of raised pulmonary vascular resistance, especially in the postoperative period, while limiting flow and pressure stress to the pulmonary circulation. Subsequent complete closure of the defect could be performed when pulmonary vascular resistance falls in response to longer term advanced therapy .Another staged approach could be the application of a pulmonary arterial band. Once pulmonary vascular resistance starts to decrease in response to chronic advanced therapy then closure of the defect with debanding could follow. (11) According to ACC/AHA 2008 Guidelines for treatment of Adults With CHD: CLASS I 1. Closure of an ASD either percutaneous or surgically is indicated for right atrial and RV enlargement with or without symptoms. (Level of Evidence: B) 2. A sinus venosus, coronary sinus, or primum ASD should be repaired surgically rather than by percutaneous closure. (Level of Evidence: B) 3. Surgeons with training and expertise in CHD should perform operations for various ASD closures. (Level of Evidence: C) CLASS IIa 1. Surgical closure of secondum ASD is reasonable when concomitant surgical repair/replacement of a tricuspid valve is considered or when the anatomy of the defect precludes the use of a percutaneous device. (Level of Evidence: C) 2. Closure of an ASD, either percutaneous or surgically, is reasonable in the presence of: a. Paradoxical embolism. (Level of Evidence: C) documented orthodeoxia-platypnea. (Level of Evidence: B) 15 CLASS IIb 1. Closure of an ASD, either percutaneous or surgically, may be considered in the presence of net left-to-right shunting, pulmonary artery pressure less than two thirds systemic levels, PVR less than two thirds systemic vascular resistance or when responsive to either pulmonary vasodilator therapy or test occlusion of the defect (patients should be treated in conjunction with providers who have expertise in the management of pulmonary hypertensive syndromes). (Level of Evidence: C) 2. Concomitant Maze procedure may be considered for intermittent or chronic atrial tachyarrhythmias in adults with ASDs. (Level of Evidence: C) CLASS III 1. Patients with severe irreversible PAH and no evidence of a left-to-right shunt should not undergo ASD closure. (Level of Evidence: B) (12) Irreversible pulmonary hypertension is the only frank contraindication to ASD closure. It is important to consider that, in a high flow state, with a large Qp: Qs, high pulmonary artery pressure may not represent fixed pulmonary hypertension. Generally, irreversible pulmonary hypertension is characterized by a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 8–12 wood units/m2, with Qp: Qs <1.2:1, despite a vasodilator challenge test at cardiac catheterization to determine the reversible component of pulmonary hypertension using short-acting pulmonary vasodilators. (4) .Currently the agents used in acute testing is intravenous prostacyclin (epoprostenol, iloprost) or adenosine, inhaled nitric oxide hyperoxia and tolazoline. A positive acute vasoactive response is defined as a reduction of mean PAP >10 mmHg to reach an absolute value of mean PAP <40 mmHg with an increase or unchanged cardiac output. Positive acute responders are most likely to show a sustained response to long-term treatment with high doses of calcium channel blockers (CCB) and are the only patients that can safely be treated with this type of therapy. (9) However, there is no evidence regarding the vasodilator challenge usefulness in predicting the response of PH to defect closure after the test, so a hemodynamic study during temporary balloon test occlusion in elderly patients with severe PH (RVSP ≥70 mmHg) can be a good indicator of the subsequent evolution of PH and to assess pulmonary arterial hypertension is reversible or not in order to establish whether the defect is operable. The technique depends on recording of basal levels of pulmonary, systemic, and ventricular end-diastolic pressures. Pulmonary flow and systemic flow were determined based on the Fick principle. (13) 16 Adult patients with an ASD and atrial tachyarrhythmia benefit from defect closure. Closure of the defect may lead to regression of atrial flutter, whereas in older patients (>25 years) with AF, restoration of normal hemodynamics alone may not be sufficient. Most surgical groups are inclined to perform a right-sided Maze concomitant to ASD closure in patients with atrial flutter. Others recommend a left-sided Cox-Maze III for patients with AF, although this has yet to be validated with randomized studies. (14). Other reports suggest that it might be beneficial to add the Cox-maze procedure to routine surgical closure of an ASD in adult patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. In fact, since more than 50% of adult patients (aged >40 years) who undergo ASD closure will eventually develop atrial fibrillation; some investigators have suggested that these patients should probably undergo a concomitant Cox-maze procedure even if they do not have preoperative atrial fibrillation. This will expand the applications of this procedure from a therapeutic to a prophylactic modality. (15) In our study we found that, addition of concomitant Maze procedure (both right and left sided) to ASD closure in 3 cases with AF, one of them was paroxysmal AF resulting in successful restoration of sinus rhythm in all cases, with no mortality and NYHA class improvement noticed from III to I in 2 cases and from III to II in 1 case. Mean ICU stay was 2.5 days and mean hospital stay was 10.33 days. Improvement of EF, TAPSI and Rt sided dilatation occurred after 6 months. Recommendations Our results for adult ASD cases shows that surgical closure of the defect below 30 years old offer better clinical outcome, contractility and PAP improvement so, strongly recommended. It is mandatory to assess ASD cases preoperatively with cardiac catheterization in cases with sever PHT, bidirectional shunt, for measurements of pulmonary and systemic blood flow and resistance and to do vasodilator challenge test to acertain PHT reversibility. Temporary balloon test occlusion is better than vasodilator challenge test in detection of the response of PH to defect closure. The most important factors in mortality and morbidity prediction are advancing age, pulmonary hypertension and concomitant arrhythmia. Irreversible pulmonary hypertension is the only frank contraindication to ASD closure even in old age. Full Cox-Maze procedure is recommended to be added to ASD closure in adult cases associated with AF for better life quality. We believe that application of Maze procedure in patients as a prophylactic surgery before AF developments need to be 17 supported by further studies on its feasebility against the prolongation of operative time opposite simple ASD defect closure. References 1- Foster E, Graham Jr TP, Driscoll DJ, et al. Task force 2: special health care needs of adults with congenital heart disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001, Vol. 37, (5), pp. 1176-1183. 2- Martın Rosas, Fause Attie, Julio Sandoval, Carlos Castellano, Alfonso Buendı, Carlos Zabal, Nuria Granados. Atrial septal defect in adults z40 years old: negative impact of lowarterial oxygen saturation. International Journal of Cardiology. 2004, Vol. 93, pp. 145– 155. 3- Kort HW, Balzer DT, Johnson MC. Resolution of right heart enlargement after closure of secundum atrial septal defect with transcatheter technique. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001, Vol. 38, pp. 152832. 4- Pelletier, David P. Bichell Glenn. 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